Appointments

Non-urgent advice: Appointments

Appointments can be booked and cancelled through our online system eConsult. Click ‘get started’ below.

PLEASE NOTE: All of the below queries need actioning through eConsult. Click ‘get started’ to access the online system.

– Sick/Fit Notes
– Test Results
– General Queries
– Make an Appointment
– Cancel an Appointment
– Ask the doctor a question
– Ask the receptionist a question

Total triage patient guide

Total triage is a system where every patient contacting a GP practice provides information about the reason for their contact before any appointment is booked. It has been designed to get as many patients using the online route as possible to submit their requests, this has many advantages including:

  • Taking pressure off the phones so those who need to use the phone benefit from short wait times (basically all patients then benefit).
  • Reception staff have more time to help these, generally more vulnerable, patients.
  • You have a validated digital route to communicate by message with the patient.

This is a national NHS project and all general practices must adopt the system.

Total triage allows patients to submit their symptoms or requests to their own GP electronically, and offers around the clock NHS self-help information, signposting to services, and a symptom checker.

Total triage has been built by NHS GPs for NHS patients, designed to enhance patient access, improve practice efficiencies and signpost patients to the right place at the right time for their care.

How does it work

All patients need to submit their request via the online consultation system. Ideally, patients will submit their own request however we appreciate that this may not be possible for some patients. Our staff can complete the form on behalf of patients who cannot use the online system directly. You can also ask a family member or care provider to complete the request if you prefer.

This means that all requests are dealt with in a single process which is simpler and more efficient and allows the entire team to co-ordinate their efforts, sharing, reassigning, advising.

A clinician will review all the medical requests and assign to the most appropriate resource based on the information provided by the patient, this could be a GP, pharmacist, physiotherapist, etc. and assess how best to manage the request i.e. face to face appointment or telephone consultation.

The total triage service will have a staggered opening time to cope with demand and allow us to safely manage the number of patients we can consult with on a daily basis. You will not be able to send your GP a total triage form over the weekend, when you should instead contact the NHS 111 service. NHS 111 will put you in touch with the out of hours doctor if your problem needs GP assistance over the weekend.

You’ll wonder how you did without it

  • You may not need a trip to the surgery and your query may be resolved with a phone call.
  • Triage ensures that limited healthcare resources are allocated to patients who need them most urgently.
  • By prioritising patient, triage reduces waiting times for those with urgent medical needs. Patients receive timely care, leading to better outcomes.
  • Improved patient safety as triage helps to identify high risk patients early, allowing healthcare providers to intervene promptly. This prevents complications and reduces the risk for adverse events.
  • Triage streamlines the patient flow within the practice and makes the process more organised and efficient.
  • You can check health symptoms online and receive on the spot medical advice and treatment guidance thanks to NHS content. This part of the Total Triage service is available 24/7.
  • Access wherever and whenever you want from any device. Unlike a telephone call, you can complete a Total Triage form at a pace that suits you.
  • You can request sick notes and test results and the clinician will advise if you need an appointment, saving you time.
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Phelebotomy Appointments

Phlebotomy appointments can be booked at Bedford Hospital.  Unfortunately we do not have the capacity to offer this service routinely.

There are three ways that patients are able to book an appointment:

  1. Using the Sangix online booking appointment system which is available 24/7. Patients will need to register online at Sangix : Login
  2. The automated telephone appointment booking service which is available 24/7 The booking telephone number is 01234 607075
  3. By booking an appointment in person by visiting the reception desk at Gilbert Hitchcock House.

*The surgery will provide blood forms which can be printed out or emailed direct to patient.

The surgery can only offer this service for:

  • Patients over 75
  • Patients that have limited mobility
  • For long term condition reviews
  • Urgent tests required by the GP

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Advance Care Planning

What is Advance Care Planning (ACP)?

ACP is a process in which you can think, talk and write about what is important to you, and describe the kind of care you would want if you became unable to make decisions for yourself. It broaches the subject of dying, and how you would like to be looked after at that time.

Why is this important for me and my family?

It may seem difficult to think ahead in this way, but writing an advance care plan makes a clear record of your wishes so that these can be respected and, where possible, carried out by people caring for you in the future.

It will also help you to talk about your plans with the people close to you, and those involved in your care, so that they know what is important to you.

How can I complete an Advance Care Plan?

Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group has developed an ACP booklet that is available either to download below, or you can ask for the booklet at the surgery as we hold a small stock.

Download the Advance Care Plan booklet.

Remember that an ACP is a ‘living’ document, and you can update and change it at any time.

What do I do with it once I have completed it?

 

Give copies of your completed ACP (and when you update it) to whoever you wish to have a copy. A copy can be held by the surgery, and we will scan this on to your records.

To change any personal details with us, please use this form.

To register a carer with us, please use form here.

Registering as a new patient

To Register as a new patient, click here.

To Register for online services, click here.

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

To ask our reception team a question, please click here.